About us
Our story and status
Our story
STEM Education for Kids CIC was created after local families showed strong interest in practical LEGO Education and robotics activities, while also making clear that paid classes were not affordable for every household. In February 2026, founder Alexandru Ursul started Build and Learn Academy, a paid programme for local children. Listening to families highlighted the need for a separate community-focused organisation that could develop free or low-cost STEM opportunities for children who might otherwise miss out.
Build and Learn Academy was co-founded by Alexandru Ursul and Axenia Zavtur, a former director of Build and Learn Academy Ltd.
STEM Education for Kids CIC was incorporated in May 2026 to help remove financial barriers to hands-on STEM learning. We want children to have opportunities to build, test, create and solve problems together, regardless of family income.
STEM Education for Kids CIC is a separate Community Interest Company. Build and Learn Academy is a separate paid organisation. Their activities, booking arrangements, finances and records are not the same.
CIC status
STEM Education for Kids CIC is a private company limited by guarantee and a Community Interest Company, incorporated in England and Wales on 19 May 2026. Our company number is 17229107. As a CIC, we exist to create community benefit, and any CIC income is used in support of that purpose.
Team and governance
STEM Education for Kids CIC is led by a Board of four directors, with collective responsibility for the CIC's strategy, finances, safeguarding, legal compliance, policies, risk management and organisational development.
Alexandru leads the CIC's day-to-day development and coordination, including programme development, community engagement and partnership development. David contributes to fundraising, grant development and the CIC's longer-term funding capacity. Crina contributes to Board-level governance, strategic discussion, organisational development and review of key decisions. Beata contributes to Board-level governance, commercial insight, partnership development and community engagement.
Axenia Zavtur is the current Lead Teacher and will continue as the main teacher for the programme. A Teaching Assistant will support delivery when the funded programme begins; this appointment will be confirmed before that delivery starts.
The CIC is still at an early stage and is strengthening its governance systems as it grows. Major decisions are made collectively by the Board, and the directors are putting in place a regular, minuted governance cycle.